Showing 768 items matching bravery
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National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Memorabilia, 50th Anniversay Plate
0022 Limited edition Vereans Remembered 50 Anniversay Commemorative Plate 1965-2015 Painted plate of Australian soldiers in combat in Vietnam with the words "Initiative Bravery Courage Mateship Sacrifice" around the outside in box with certificate.ON BACK Limited edition plate No.0022. Veterans Remembered 50th Anniversay Commemorative Plate only 1965 made Not for Food Use50th anniversary, commemorative plate -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - MEDAL SETS, MOUNTED, Post WWI & Post WWII
HERBERT TRANGMAR ALLAN OBE, MC, ED. Herbert Allan served pre WW1 with Sydney University Scouts with the rank of 2nd Lieut. Joined the AIF 6.9.1915 in the 14th Reinforcements 17th Batt aged 21 years 6 months, embarked for England 22.8.1916, promoted to Lieut, embarked for France 22.1.1917, awarded the Military Cross 9.10.1917 at Passchendaele Ridge, WIA slight 3.11.1917. Awarded a Mention in Despatches, promoted to Captain 24.11.11917, WIA 3.10.1918, Gassed, appointment terminated in the AIF 26.5.1919. He remains active in several postings in the CMF as a Captain. He goes on full time duty 9.10.1939 with 2nd Garrison Batt No N60005, transfers to the 2nd AIF No NX12229 1.5.1940, posted Captain in 2nd 17th Batt. Embarks for the Middle East 10.10.1940, serves in Tobruk, promoted to Major 7.1.1941, promoted to Brigade Major 20th Inf Brigade 12.6.1941, appointed Claims Officer 9th Division 13.2 1942, awarded the “OBE” 14.4.1942, embark for Australia 27.1.1943, promoted Lt Col 8.6.1943, emplaned for New Guinea 16.6.1943, one of 5 to New Guinea and New Britain, promoted T/Colonel 1.4.1945, final disembark in Australia 28.8.1945, appointed to Command the Pacific Islands Regt 10.10.1945, appointed Hon Colonel in the Reserve of Officers 1.5.1946. During WW11 he was awarded a Mention in Despatches 4 times, once in the Middle East and 3 in the Pacific. He spent 1773 days outside Australia and 253 in Australia during WW11. Awarded Efficiency Decoration (ED) in 1946. Refer 2756.The group of medals were awarded to Herbert Trangmar Allan OBE, MC, ED plus mentioned in Dispatches 5 times. With the medals to add to their significance is a large collection of documentation covering his career with some 136 items plus photographs. As Commander of the Pacific Islands Regiment after WW2 he was presented with a pair of Japanese Artillery Binoculars to bring home as a War Trophy. This is in the collection also. This group of eleven (11) Decoration, Campaign and Service Medals has a very high significance as they relate to both World Wars and service recognition from 1915 through to 1946, 31 years. There is also a full set of miniatures to compliment the main medal set. The “Order of the British Empire”, “Military Cross”, Efficiency Decoration” gained over both Wars and Service are among the highest in the British Empire Awards system and therefore quite rare. The addition of 5 Mention in Dispatches adds to that rarity. The medals are in very good condition with only a small amount of tarnishing. The ribbons are new and Court mounting for display purposes, the originals have been kept for historical purposes.WWI & WWII Medals: .1) Medal set, brass plate mounted, set of 11 re H T ALLAN OBE, MC, ED. 1. Order of the British Empire - OBE. 2. Military Cross - MC. 3. War Medal 1914 - 1919. 4. Victory Medal with clasp - Mention in Despatches. 5. 1939 - 45 Star. 6. African Star with clasp - 8th Army. 7. Pacific Star. 8. Defence Medal. 9. War Medal with clasp - Mention in Despatches. 10. Australian Service Medal. 11. Efficiency Decoration - ED. WWI & WWII Medals: .2) Medal set, minatures, brass plate mounted, set of 11 re H T ALLAN OBE, MC, ED. Same as in .1) .3) Original ribbons as per .1). .4) Original ribbons as per .2)..1) CAPTAIN H T ALLAN AIF NX12229 H J ALLEN NX12229 COL ALLEN H T Note: Correct spelling is H T ALLANmedals, military, bravery -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - MEDAL SET 1939 - 45, (estimated); Post 1945
Alan Kenneth NAISMITH DCM VX4838, 2/7th Bn. Refer Cat No 1421 for his service details.Medal set, court mounted, set of (7) re A.K Naismith DCM. 1. Distinguished Conduct Medal. 2. 1939-45 Star. 3. Africa Star. 4. Pacific Star. 5. Defence Medal. 6. War Medal 1939-45. 7. Australian Service Medal. "VX4838 Cpl A.K.Naismith"medals, bravery, history -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - MEDAL SET, Post WW1 and Post WW11
Gilbert Noah Turner enlisted in the 3rd Reinforcements 8th Batt AIF on 23.11.14 No 1605. Embarked for overseas 19.2.15. Landed Gallipoli 8.5.15. Transferred to 60th Batt 24.2.16 then 25th Howitzer Bde 27.3.16 and finally 45th Batt on 2.6.16 as No 1410. Awarded Military Medal on 22.2.17. WIA 3.6.17 GSW to face and chest. WIA 2nd occasion 5.5.18 Gassed and then shortly after he got Pnuemonia. Discharged from the AIF 30.3.19. He enlisted again in WW11 on 12.8.41 No V18372. He served in Australia only and on discharge on 29.11.45 he was serving in 12 Garrison Battalion. Refer 1294P, 1039P, 1173.Medal set, court mounted, set of (6) re G Turner. 1. Military Medal. 2. 1914-15 Star. 3. War Medal 1914-1919. 4. Victory Medal. 5. War Medal 1939-45 6. Australian Service Medal.1. Military Medal is stamped "Duplicate". 2, 3, 4. "1410 Cpl G Turner 8 Bn AIF" 5, 6. "V18372 G Turner"medals, military, bravery -
Bendigo Military Museum
Memorabilia - PHOTOGRAPH, FRAMED
Soldier is "Leslie Pyers" No 2134, enlisted 25.3.1916 age 23 years in 3rd Reinforcements 38th Bn AIF. Embarked on 25.9.1916 for England, embarked for France 20.12.1916, WIA 2.6.1917 remains on duty, WIA 8.6.1917 gunshot wound hand severe. He was awarded the Military Medal at Messiness on 7.6.1917. Carrying important messages to the front line he was WIA twice and suffering from loss of blood and exhaustion he refused treatment until he got his messages through. Rejoin unit from WIA 5.12.1917, hospital with Scabies 12.1.1918 to 12.2.1918, WIA 3rd occasion 11.8.1918 gunshot wound to head. He returned to Australia on 7.2.1919 and was discharged from the AIF on 31.3.1919 medically unfit.Black and white oval portrait photo of a soldier in peak cap on white back ground, frame is a light brown colour with glass front.bravery, military, leslie pyers -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book - Too Bold To Die: The Making of Australian War Heroes, McPhedran, Ian, 2013
Award-winning journalist and bestselling author Ian McPhedran uncovers compelling stories of extreme bravery in action from WW2 to today.non-fictionAward-winning journalist and bestselling author Ian McPhedran uncovers compelling stories of extreme bravery in action from WW2 to today.bravery, medals, heroes -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - RIBBONS & MEDAL SET, Post WW1
James Pianto, born Bendigo, enlisted in Kalgoorlie 16.8.1915 in the 6th reinforcements 28th Batt AIF aged 34 years. Embarked 2.11.1915 for Eygpt. Hospital 25.2.1916 with Mumps, transfers to 51st Batt 3.3.1916, embark for France 5.6.1916, WIA 5.4.1917 GSW left Leg, hospital 9.10.1917 (unclear). As a Stretcher Bearer over the period 24/25th April 1918 he was awarded the "MM" near Villers Bretonneux. Hospital 16.6.1918 with Influenza again on 28.9.1918 with Haemorrhoids. Discharged from the AIF 18.3.1919. Set of Service Ribbons and Medal set re J Pianto. Mounted on purple felt backing. Medal set. 1. Military Medal, original & stamped. 2. 1914-15 Star, replica. 3. War medal 1914-19, replica. 4. Victory medal, replica. The ribbons reflect the Medal set.Military Medal stamped “2762 Pte J Pianto 51/Aust Inf"medals, military, bravery -
Clunes Museum
Photograph, HORNBY STUDIOS CLUNES, CIRCA 1920s
BLACK & WHITE ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPH OF CORPORAL R.R. MITCHELL. M MEDAL. TAKEN IN CIVILIAN CLOTHES. FEATURES ANOTHER TYPE OF CELULOID COLLAR. ROBERT WON THE MILITARY MEDAL FOR BRAVERY IN FRANCE. HE WAS IN 5TH. BATTALION C COMPANY A.I.F.STUDIO HORNBY CLUNES/POSTCARD CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS ONLY TO ELIZA WITH LOVE 2415 BOB. CORPORAL R.R. MITCHELL MM 5 BATTALION C COMP .A.I.F KODAKlocal history, photography, photographs, military -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Folder, Andrew
James Andrew Kangaroo Ground, 1870 "James Andrew, Whittlesea, born in East Palford, Devonshire, England, in 1827, arrived in Adelaide in February 1850 per ship Lady McCaughton and almost immediately sailed in a coasting vessel to Melbourne, where the first work he undertook was clearing earth from a stone quarry in Collingwood. He next carried stones for masons engaged in building the Bishop’s Palace, and then was employed in Cambellfield mowing hay. He was at Saltwater River on Black Thursday, and afterwards took a little farm at Darebin Creek, remaining there for four years. He went up to Kangaroo Ground in 1859 and lived there until he bought his present property at Whittlesea, a farm of between 300 and 400 acres. He has been twice married, and had a family of six children." "Andrew, W. B. Eltham, is a native of England, born in 1822. Coming out to Australia in 1842, he lived in Brighton, Victoria for fifteen years, when he re-visited England for a year. Returning to Victoria fourteen or fifteen years ago, he commenced storekeeping at Eltham, where he has carried on that business ever since. Mr Andrew has always taken a lively interest in the public affairs of town and district” from "Victoria and its Metropolis: Past and Present" written in 1888 by Alexander Sutherland. Chapter 19, "The Upper Yarra District" pages [402] - 415. Includes descriptions of some townships and short biographies of local residents. Page 405 Folder of information on James Andrew, Trustee Kangaroo Ground Cemetery, Kangaroo Ground 1870 William Bravery Andrew, Eltham, 1870s-1880s Ernest James Andrew, Eltham, Eltham Shire Councillor, 1920s-1950 and Ellen Matilda Brown Andrewjames andrew, pioneer, kangaroo ground, ernest james andrew, william bravery andrew, ellen andrew, eltham cemetery, biography, ellen harper andrew (nee clarke), ellen matilda andrew (nee brown), eltham war memorial gate, eltham war memorial trust -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Lt Col Mike Naughton
A black and white photograph of Lt Col Mike Naughton after receiving his OBE from the Governor of NSW Sir Roden Cutler VC. Standing next to Sir Roden is a Medic who received the Military Medal for bravery in Vietnam at the same ceremony.photograph, lt col naughton, sir roden cutler vc, order of the british empire (obe), gibbons collection catalogue, medic, military medal -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Military Medal
A black and white photograph at the 1st Australian Field Hospital , Medic with the Governor of NSW, Sir Roden Cutler VC after receiving his Military Medal at a cermony Government House NSW in 1971. The award was made for bravery while serving as a medic on a US dustoff helicopterphotograph, 1st australian field hospital, medic, sir roden cutler vc, military medal, dustoff helicopter, gibbons collection catalogue -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - MEDALS, FRAMED, Vander Toorren
DOUGLAS GEORGE PHILLIPS enlisted No 3449 in the 11th reinforcements 7th Batt AIF on 14.7.1915 aged 18 years 2 months in Bendigo. He embarked for Eygpt on 18.12.1915. Promoted to Corporal 1.3.1916. Embarked for France 26.3.1916. Promoted to Sergeant 10.8.1916. Hospitalised with trench feet on 6.11.1916. Promoted 2nd Lieutenant 3.3.1917. Hospitalised with haemoptysis 20.7.1917. Promoted to Lieutenant 30.9.1917. WIA 4.10.1917 and remained on duty. Awarded the Military Cross for the same days actions. Discharged from the AIF 15.8.1919. He enlisted again on 28.9.1939 as V80050. At discharge on 12.3.1945 he was a Captain serving in No 12 Australian Garrison Coy. Ornate wood frame with glass over a brownish background. Inset at top is a sepia tone photo of an Officer in uniform. Centre is a description of service and award of an "MC". At the bottom is a mounted medal set, group of (5) re Lt D.G.Phillips MC. At base of the frame is a brass plaque.Brass plaque "CAPTAIN Douglas George Phillips MC"medals, bravery, framing, photograhy -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - MEDAL SET, Victory medal post WW1, post 2000 for the 2 x replicas
Leslie Pryde enlisted in the AIF 2.8.15 in Divisional Ammunition Column 1 reinforcement 14 age 28 years. Embarked for Egypt 28.1.1916, transfers to 13th FAB 16.4.1916, embarks for France 16.6.1916, promoted to Cpl 7.6.1917, hospital with Trench Fever 12.12.1917, return to unit 30.12.1917, promoted to Sgt 26.1.1918, discharged from the AIF on 7.4.1919. Leslie Pryde was awarded the Military Medal on 15.10.1917 East of Westhoek serving in the 49th Battery. The citation is quite long but the main part is the following; During heavy shelling one of their ammunition dumps was hit and caught fire, Pryde and another NCO at great risk pulled rounds away from the fire area likely to explode and extinguished the fire saving 600 out of 1000 rounds, 400 had exploded.Medal set, court mounted, set of (3) re L Pryde. 1 Military medal, replica not engraved. 2 War medal 1914-1920, replica not engraved. 3 Victory Medal. 3. 11986 Sgt L.Pryde. 1 D.A.C A.I.F medals, military, bravery, history -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - MEDAL SET, Post WW11
James Woods No NX29622, born Wee Waa NSW enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 10.6.40. Serving in the Middle East with 2/2nd Machine Gun Batt he was awarded the Military Medal for " Conspicious and outstanding control of fire during the period 10 July - 2 August in the Tel El Eisa area". WIA with GSW's to chest and back he was discharged medically unfit on 4.6.43 with the rank of Cpl.Medal set, brass plate mounted, set of (6) re H.J.Woods 1. Military Medal. 2. 1939-45 Star, not engraved but original. 3. Africa Star, not engraved but original. 4. Defence Medal. 5. War Medal 1939-45. 6. Australian Service Medal."NX29622 Cpl H.J.Woods. AIF"medals, military, bravery, history -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - MEDAL SET WW1, Post WW 1
William Henry Roberts No 239 enlisted in the 22nd Batt AIF on 4.2.15 age 32 years 8 months. Embarked for Eygpt then Gallipoli on 30.8.15, embark for France 19.3.16, WIA 22.4.16 GSW neck, return to France 5.6.16, hospital 14.11.16 with Diarrehoea, transfer to 6th MG Coy 8.12.16, awarded the Military Medal near Bullecourt on 3.5.17, discharged from the AIF on 20.7.19.Medal set, court mounted, set of (4) Re W H ROBERTS " MM" .1) Military Medal .2) 1914 - 15 Star, replica not engraved. .3) War Medal 1914 - 19 replica not engraved .4) Victory Medal, replica not engraved"239 Pte W H ROBERTS 6/Aust M.G.C."awards, medals, bravery, passchendaele barracks trust -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - MEDAL SET, WW 1
Medal set, court mounted, set of (4) Re J LACEY "MM" .1) Military medal, replica not engraved.\ .2) 1914 - 15 Star replica not engraved .3) War Medal 1914-19 replica not engraved .4) Victory medal replica not engravedmedals, military, bravery, passchendaele barracks trust -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - MEDAL SET, WW 1
Athol McGregor Kirkwood No 323 enlisted in C Coy 6th Batt AIF on 17.8.14 age 19 years 4 months. Embarked for Eygpt 19.10.14, embark for Gallipoli 5.4.15, awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) north of Cape Helles Dardanelles on 8.5.15, promoted Cpl 9.5.15, KIA 27.7.15. Medal set - court mounted set of (3) Re. A. Kirkwood. .1) 1914 -15 star .2) War Medal 1914 - 19 Replica not engraved. .3) Victory medal."323 Cple A Mc G. Kirkwood 6 BN A.I.F.medals, military, bravery, passchendaele barracks trust -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book, Brenda Ryan, Kamarooka and Gallipoli
A tribute to Martin D Donoghue's Bravery Author Brenda Ryan Light brown colour soft cover . photo of " B" Squadron 8th LHR riding along Camp Road Broadmeadows for a parade through Melbourne 02 20.1.1915 Photo across both back and front coverFirst page signature of " Brian P O'Donoghue" written in inkbooks, military history -
The 5th/6th Battalion Royal Victoria Regiment Historical Collection
Medal - Military Medal, GvR, CPL J.S Phillips 138 Hvy Bty RGA
The Military Medal was awarded for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire.Circular medal, single suspension bar. Obverse - head of GVR -georgivs v britt oan rex et ind imp. Reverse - laurel wreath outer edge;kings crown GVR cypher "for bravery in the field" Rim: 833 CPL JS PHILLIPS 138 HV BY RGA833 CPL JS PHILLIPS 138 HV BY RGA5/6 rvr, medal, ww1 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - AWARD, MM, WW1, (estimated); Post 1917
Leslie Pryde "MM", Regt No 11986. refer Cat No 914 for his service history and award details.Official document from the Australian Imperial Force dated, Melbourne 18.7.1918 relating to the award of "The Military Medal" for bravery in the field by Corporal L Pryde. The notice was sent to his mother Mrs J Pryde stating that "His Majesty the King" had approved the award. The document is a one sided paper. awards, military history, mm -
Geelong RSL Sub Branch
Medals - 2180 J C Martin MM, Early 20th Century
2180 Pte J C Martin MM was a member of the AIF and served during WW1 with 8 BN.These are the original Medals of 2180 Pte J C Martin MM who served with the AIF during WW1. On a wooden board is a black and white (oval shape) photograph of 2180 Pte J C Martin MM, 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. Pte J C Martin MM was awarded a Military Medal for Bravery in the Field on 12 July 1918. Unfortunately the Military Medal is not with this collection.On the photograph written - 2180 Pte J C Martin, B Coy. On each medal - 2180 Pte J C Martin. 8/BN AIF. ww1 8 bn aif, 2180 pte j c martin mm -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Newspaper - Newspaper Clippings - 'The Argus', n.d
Newspaper cutting from 'The Argus', including a photograph of the memorial tablet, made to commemorate the bravery of those involved in the rescue of the wreck of the Admella', 6 AUG. 1859, and letters re the supposed involvement of poet Adam Lindsay Gordon. Glued to cardboard. Reverse has article re death of MR. J. Judkins, and a hymn.admella shipwreck -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - MEDAL SET, Post WW 11
William Frank Rouden Budge "ED"No VX48105 enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 23.7.40. He served in the Seige of Tobruk and El Alamein where he was the Commanding Officer of his Battalion during its early days. He was WIA twice , at Tobruk then Alamein losing his left leg. At discharge from the Army on 7.1.47 he was a Major in 2/24th Aust Infantry Battalion. During his service he was awarded an (MID) Mention in Despatches.Medal set, court mounted, set of (8) Re W F BUDGE .1) 1939 - 45 star .2) Africa Star .3) Defence Medal .4) War Medal 1939 - 45 with clasp "MID" .5) Australian Service Medal .6) Elizabeth 11 coronation medal 1953 .7) Efficiency Medal with clasp "Australia". .8) Tobruk Commemorative medal "VX 48105 W F R BUDGE"medals, military, history, bravery, passchendaele barracks trust -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Document - Military record, Private George Williams, WWI, Australian Archives
George's medals were kept by his daughter Marjorie Williams, and donated to the Society by herself and her daughter. These documents were obtained when PMH&PS applied to Canberra for information on the MM citation.Australian Archives folder containing WWI personnel records for Private George Williams of 1st Australian Imperial Forces, who was awarded the Military Medal 'For bravery in the field' Ref 813.01 for medals mounted with photo..Cream and brown, contains 48 pages including letter, notes, official sheets and photocopies of letters, war and medical recordswar - world war i, armed services - army, valerie williams morris, marjorie williams, george willaims -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, A Quiet Moment
A black and white photograph of two of the four members of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) to be awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery, WO2 Keith Payne VC & WO2 Ray Simpson VC Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) share a quiet moment after WO2 Payne had just been advised of his award of the VCphotograph, aattv, victoria cross, dcm, wo keith payne, wo 2 ray simpson, gibbons collection catalogue -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Book, Major General Gordon Maitland, Honours and Awards of the Army, 2014
248 page soft covered book describing Australian honours and awards and stories of recipients, categories: appointments to orders of chivalry, including the Australian Order, bravery or distinguished service decorations, operational service (campaign) medals, meritorious service & long service and good conduct melds. special awards on commemorative occasions, other awards or insignia, foreign awards.ISBN 978-0-9925154-0-9honours, awards, medals -
Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre
Book - RAAF at War, Victory Roll, 1945
Hard back 200 pages with colour paintings and sketches, black and white photographs.raaf pilot experiences flying out of operational bases of europe and the pacific. -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - MEDALS VARIOUS, 1939, 1945,1947, 1965
.1) India, Volunteer Service Medal 1939-45 .2) Dutch (DHK 1940-45)Military, army, Navy, Air Force, Merchant Marine .3) India, 1947-48 General Service Jammu & Kashmir 25048 Separation. .4) Dutch, 1945-49 Issued to Dutch Army. War against Indon. Rebels. .5) India, 1965 Rausha Medalfor Bravery 1965numismatics - medals, india, dutch -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK, HEROIC WOMEN, Susanna De Vries, Heroic Australian Women in War, 2004
Text tells the stories of the bravery of Australian women from Gallipoli to Kokoda.Book, soft cover with sepia illustration depicting 4 women. Title in cream lettering. Black & white photographic illustrations & black & white maps. 296 pages with cut edges.Handwritten in black on 1st page: “O'Brien”book, australian women -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Letter - William Ferrier, 14th November 1905
The letter to William Ferrier of South Warrnambool from the Prime Minister and the Parliament of the Commonwealth recognised the significance of William’s brave and courageous lifesaving act to the people of Australia; “They all feel that your conduct was worthy of the best deeds done by British sailors in the past and they are proud to know that Australia can produce such as you.” The story of that brave rescue follows on below … The ship from which the sailors were rescued was the three-masted, iron and steel barquentine the La Bella, built in Norway in 1893. She was one of two iron and steel ships by Johan Smith, The company was one of the leading shipping families in Tvedestrand, Norway. She was significant to Norwegian shipping, being one of only 27 iron and steel ships ever built in Norway. She was registered in New Zealand and engaged from 1902 in inter-colonial trading of timber in the Pacific, between New Zealand and Australia and was often in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria. On 5th October 1905, the twelve-year-old La Bella left Lyttleton, New Zealand carrying a cargo of timber bound for Warrnambool, Australia. She was manned by a crew of twelve: the Master, (Captain Mylius, previously 1st Mate of La Bella, appointed Captain to La Bella on 6th February 1903) 2 Mates, Cook, six able seamen, one ordinary seaman and a boy. Bad weather en route caused her to shelter at Burnie on Tasmania's North West coast. On November 10th, the 37th day of her journey, La Bella approached Warrnambool. Captain Mylius steered her towards Lady Bay Channel in heavy south-west seas and evening mist. He ordered the helmsman to steer for the light. As the ship came round, a tremendous sea struck her on the port quarter, causing her to breach broadside in a north-westerly direction into breakers. The helm was brought round twice more, but each time heavy seas broke over her, the third time throwing the La Bella on to a submerged reef in Lady Bay now known as La Bella Reef (about 100 yards from the Warrnambool breakwater). The sea was so rough that it even wrenched a one-and-a-half ton anchor from its fastenings and into the sea. As Captain Mylius headed to the steel wheelhouse, intending to send up a rocket flare, a huge sea slammed the steel door into him (resulting in massive bruising front and back) Despite his injuries he still managed to set off a blue light, which he held up in his hands. La Bella’s lifeboats were filled with seawater and broke up on their chocks. The blue light was the first indication to people on the shore that there was a ship in distress. The Harbour Master, Captain Roe (who lived in the Harbour Master’s House opposite Flagstaff Hill), organised a group of volunteers to crew the lifeboat because the trained crew was unavailable; the crewmen were working on a steamer in Port Fairy at the time. He then poured oil onto the water to try and smooth the sea. At around 11 pm three of the crew took shelter in the steel forecastle but the sea crashed into it and broke it up. While the rest of the crew and onlookers watched helplessly in the moonlight the bodies were washed away into the sea, never to be seen again. Some of the crew lashed themselves to the weather rail to keep from being washed away. Watson, the ordinary seaman, became tangled in the rigging lines and was too weak to move, so the 2nd Mate, Robertson, put a line onto him so that he wouldn’t wash off. Around 11 pm three of the crew were unconscious from exhaustion. The situation on La Bella was becoming dangerous. The 2nd Mate moved to the ‘house’ and soon afterwards the ship slipped in the heavy sea. The lashings of the 1st Mate and the ‘boy’ Denham had kept them safe until about 2 am when they were washed overboard; no one was able to help. One by one, the exhausted crew were being washed overboard, too weak to hold on any longer. During the night the La Bella had broken into two and the deckhouse ran out towards the sea. Two more men drowned when trying to reach the lifeboat. By sunrise, the only survivors of the twelve were the Master, 2nd Mate and three seamen. Early in the morning, Captain Roe used the rocket apparatus on shore to try and shoot a line to the ship for a safer rescue but each attempt fell short of the target. Several attempts were made by the lifeboat to rescue the stricken sailors, but the rough conditions made this difficult for the boat to get close enough to the ship and the lifeboat had to return to shore. During a final attempt to reach the ship Captain Mylius ordered his men to jump into the sea. Leonard Robertson, 2nd mate, jumped and swam towards the lifeboat, taking hold of the boat hook offered to him. Oscar Rosenholme managed to reach the boat floating on a piece of timber from the ship’s load and a third survivor, Noake, also made the boat. Along with the lifeboat rescue crew, 25-year-old William Ferrier rowed his small dingy through the heavy seas and managed to rescue the Captain, whom he landed on the breakwater. Ferrier then returned to the ship to attempt a final rescue, losing his oars and rowlocks into the high sea. Using just a spare paddle he skulled towards the La Bella, reaching her stern in time to cut loose the lone surviving sailor, Payne, from the lashing that held him to the ship; the terrified sailor dropped from the ship and into the dingy. Shortly after the last man was rescued, the La Bella was lifted by a huge wave and crashed back down on the reef; she broke up and sank. The ordeal had lasted ten hours. The survivors were taken to the nearby Bay View Hotel and gratefully received warm food and clothing, medical attention and a place to sleep. In the following days, an unidentified body of a young person has washed ashore; it was either Watson or Denham. The body was buried in the Warrnambool cemetery with an appropriate gravestone and inscription. William Ferrier became a national hero as news of the daring rescue spread. In recognition of his bravery in the two daring rescues, he was awarded the Silver Medal for Bravery by the Royal Humane Society and was honoured in the letter from the Prime Minister and the Parliament of the Commonwealth, telegrams and a cheque for £20 from the Governor-General, over £150 subscribed by the public, including Warrnambool and district and readers of The Argus, and a gold medal from the Glenelg Dinghy Club of South Australia. Ferrier’s rescue efforts are one of the most heroic in Victoria’s shipwreck history. (William Ferrier’s son, Frank, received a similar award almost fifty years later when he helped rescue four members of the crew on the yacht Merlan after it ran on to a reef near the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse. ) The wreck of La Bella now lies on her port side in 13 metres of sheltered water inside the reef she struck. The bow section is relatively intact and part of the stern has drifted north-easterly towards the mouth of the Hopkins River. The reef the La Bella struck now bears its name. Those five rescued from the La Bella were Captain George Mylius, Leonard Robertson (2nd Mate, 21 years old), R. Payne, Oscar Rosenholme and Jack Noake. Those seven who lost their lives were Mr Coulson (1st mate), Charles Jackman (cook) Gustave Johnson, Pierre Johann and Robert Gent (all able seamen), Harry Watson (ordinary seaman) and Jack Denham (ship’s boy), Captain Mylius was found guilty of careless navigation; he had sailed into the bay without the services of a pilot. His Master Certificate was suspended for twelve months. Later he was also charged with the manslaughter of one of the crew who had died when the La Bella was wrecked but found not guilty. The event’s adverse publicity and damage to his career took a toll on his health and he died of a heart attack six months after the wreck; he was only thirty-seven. His body was buried in the Melbourne General Cemetery. The La Bella was “the best documented of all sailing ships owned in New Zealand”. Her record books, ship logs, correspondence and supporting papers are still available. At the time of the tragedy, she was owned by Messers David C.Turnbull and Co. of Timaru, New Zealand timber merchants and shipping agents, who had purchased her on 13th December 1901. A detailed account of the last journey of La Bella can be read in “Leonard Robertson, the Whangaroa & La Bella” written by Jack Churchouse, published in 1982 by Millwood Press Ltd, Wellington, NZ. As well as this letter, Flagstaff Hill’s La Bella Collection includes a photograph of the wrecked La Bella, a brass rail holder and a postcard of William Ferrier with four of the survivors. Some 15 – 17 ships are believed to have sunk in Lady Bay, but only two have been discovered on the seafloor; the “La Bella” and the “Edinburgh Castle”. Both wrecks are popular diving sites and are preserved as significant historical marine and marine archaeological sites. This original congratulatory letter sent to William Ferrier by the Prime Minister and Government of Australia demonstrates the importance attached to his efforts for Victoria and to Australia. The letter is part of the La Bella Collection and is significant at both a local and state level. Its connection to the La Bella shipwreck and the rescue of five survivors highlights the dangers of Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast. The letter to William Ferrier from the Australian Government acknowledges the bravery of ordinary Australians who risked their lives to save victims of shipwrecks along the coast. The letter is significant to the history of Warrnambool as it honours William Ferrier, a local fisherman whose descendants continue to live in the area. It highlights the way of life of people who lived in coastal towns in 19th century Victoria and the effects of shipwrecks upon them. The letter connects to the postcard of William Ferrier with four of the five rescued crew, the photograph of the wreck of the La Bella and the artefact from the wreck, the rail holder. This letter is significant because of its association with the sailing ship “La Bella”. The “La Bella” is of local and state and national significance. It is one of the only two shipwrecks discovered in Lady Bay, Warrnambool, out of the 15-17 shipwrecks in the bay. Letter to William Ferrier of South Warrnambool from the Prime Minister and Members of Parliament commending him on his bravery. The printed letterhead includes a coat of arms in the top centre and the official address. The letter is very neatly hand written in black pen and includes 4 signatures of Members of Parliament. The rectangular paper is cream coloured with some yellow/brown discolouring. It has the letterhead on the right hand side of it and the written letter begins below the letterhead. The paper has been folded so that the right side becomes the cover page of the letter. The writing is continued onto the inside right hand page of the folded paper and the writing ends here. There is more recent writing on the bottom right hand corner of the back page. The paper has been officially folded in half a total 3 times and there is heavy discolouration on the sections that form the front and back of the folded letter. There is a 4th fold line that is less pronounced that the other folds and would make the paper the size to fit into a pocket. At several fold creases the paper has worn through. The edges of the paper have minor tears. The printed coat of arms is that of the House of Representatives. Underneath is printed “The Parliament of the Commonwealth, / Parliament House / Melbourne”. The hand written, letter is dated “14th November, 1905” and addressed to “Mr. William Ferrier / South Warrnambool” The letter begins “The Speaker, the Prime Minister and Members of the Ministry and its supporters, the Leader and Members of the Opposition, the Leader and Members of the Labour Party, being all the Members of the House of Representatives of the Federal Parliament of Australia” … It continues “desire to express to you their appreciation of your bravery in skulling out to the wreck of the “La Bella” at Warrnambool on Saturday, 11th November, 1905, and recovering therefrom two of the crew who were in imminent danger of their lives. They all feel that your conduct was worthy of the best deeds done by British sailors in the past and they are proud to know that Australia can produce such as you.” The letter is “Signed on behalf of the Members – Speaker (Frederick Holder ), Deputy Leader of the Opposition (Joseph Cook ), Prime Minister (Alfred Deakin), Leader of the Labour Party ( J.C. Watson)” On the back of the letter is blue ink handwriting “OWNER / G. FERRIER / TO. BE. PHOTOGRAPHED / 27-4-76”la bella, william ferrier, bill ferrier, lady bay, 1905, 10th november 1905, 11th november 1905, parliament of the commonwealth, prime minister, australian government, new zealand, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village